Community Honors Sergeant Elio Diaz at Hope Eternal Gardens

We are humbled that Hope Eternal Gardens was featured by ABC7 My Suncoast in a story about the community gathering to honor the legacy of Charlotte County Sergeant Elio Diaz. Families, friends, and colleagues came together on January 27, 2025, to create a living tribute in his memory.

Remembering Sergeant Elio Diaz

Sergeant Elio Diaz was a dedicated member of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office who served his community with courage and compassion. Known for his commitment to protecting others, he touched countless lives through both his service and his spirit. His passing was deeply felt across Charlotte County, and his memory continues to inspire acts of unity and gratitude.

Planting a Forest of Remembrance

At the event, more than 400 native trees were planted at Hope Eternal Gardens — each one a symbol of life, resilience, and hope. The trees were generously donated by local nurseries including EarthBalance, Sandhill Native Growers, Natives of Corkscrew, Kings Nursery, and Sebastian River Farms. Site preparation and topsoil were provided with the support of Desoto Sand and Fill.

Words of Tribute

During the gathering, Lauren Robie, co-founder of Hope Eternal Gardens, introduced the project and welcomed families and friends who joined in planting. A deeply moving tribute was also shared by Sergeant Diaz’s daughter, Nayleshka Luna, who honored her father’s life and service. She reflected on the resilience of trees, sharing words inspired by Wangari Maathai:

“A tree has roots in the soil yet reaches to the sky. It tells us that in order to aspire we need to be grounded.”

Creating Life Out of Loss

Hope Eternal Gardens is dedicated to creating spaces where families can honor loved ones through natural burial and memorial forests. The planting for Sergeant Diaz represents not only a place of remembrance, but also a thriving habitat that will grow for generations to come.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us in honoring Sergeant Diaz, and to ABC7 My Suncoast for sharing this story with the wider community.

Read the full coverage here: Community comes together to honor the legacy of fallen officer